20 Iconic Boardwalk Restaurants Across America

Most boardwalk restaurants won’t win any Michelin stars. But they do have foods you crave — zeppoles, corn dogs, funnel cakes, fudge, fried Oreos, French fries — that evoke images of games of chance, rollercoasters, teenage flirting, Springsteen paeans to the Jersey Shore, and kids asleep on parents’ shoulders. 

Here are some of the most iconic seaside eateries that might carry treasured memories or offer the chance to create new ones.

The Original Hot Spot

Wildwood, New Jersey

Nothing says the Jersey Shore like a sausage and pepper sandwich. The Original Hot Spot on the Wildwood boardwalk has your back. Owned and operated by the Rotondi Family, this business has been on the Wildwood boardwalk since 1962.

Marini’s Candies

Santa Cruz, California

Four generations of Marini family members have been making candy in Santa Cruz since 1915. Their salt water taffy is machine-pulled to a firm consistency using the original recipe devised by founder Victor A. Marini. The family eventually started making caramel corn and candy apples.

Joe Patti’s Seafood

Pensacola, Florida

Since 1931, this family-owned restaurant has drawn locals and visitors to the panhandle for fresh seafood out of Pensacola Bay. Joe Patti’s, known for its wholesale fish markets, now includes its own Italian-style deli, sushi bar, and wine shop.

Nathan’s Famous

Brooklyn, New York

Founded by Nathan Handwerker in 1916 in Coney Island, Brooklyn, Nathan’s Famous hot dogs embody the flavor of New York. Besides the legendary hot dog stand’s annual hot-dog eating contest every July 4, be sure to see the Mermaid Parade in June that steps past Nathan’s.

Waterman’s Surfside Grille

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Waterman’s Surfside Grille is owned and operated by the Standing Family and dates to the 1960s. The building was first called the “Shake n’ Burger & Beach Nut Gift Shop,” a burger joint and souvenir shop. In 1981, the family rebuilt the restaurant and it became an oceanfront mainstay.

Martell’s Tiki Bar

Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey

Palm trees in New Jersey? Yes, if you visit Point Pleasant and drop in on Martell’s Tiki Bar. There’s live music, salty air, Jimmy Buffet wannabes, and sensational drinks. Food choices include Tiki Tacos and the lobster BLT.

Obie’s By The Sea

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Obie’s by the Sea, a summertime must-visit, is a large restaurant and bar with indoor and outdoor seating with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Step in from the boardwalk for lunch and dinner. Favorites include Obie’s crab dishes, burgers, fries and catch of the day.

Atlantic Stand

Ocean City, Maryland

The Atlantic Stand started as an ice cream shop in 1933 and has expanded its offerings since then. It’s famous for its fresh hamburgers and split-down-the-middle hot dogs, fries, and shakes. Atlantic Stand is great for people watching and taking in downtown Ocean City.

Capurro’s Restaurant

San Francisco, California

Capurro’s Restaurant is located in Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco. In 1946, Mario Alioto decided to open a restaurant right next to the F. Alioto Lazio Fish Co., which was co-founded by his father. Their pasta dishes feature fresh shrimp, clams, and crab.

White House Subs

Atlantic City, New Jersey

The White House Sub Shop opened in 1946 and has hosted such storied clientele as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Oprah Winfrey, Joe DiMaggio, and several Miss Americas. After The Beatles played a concert in Atlantic City in 1964, they stopped by for a 72-inch sub.

Britt’s Donut Shop

Carolina Beach, North Carolina

H.L. Britt opened the shop in 1939 opposite the arcade on the boardwalk. Bobby and Maxine Nivens have run it for more than 50 years. The shop is famous for its made-from-scratch glazed donuts.

Louie’s Oyster Bar and Grille

Port Washington, New York

Louie’s is a few steps from the boardwalk in Port Washington, where it has been an institution since 1905. Louie’s offers spectacular views of Manhasset Bay on the North Shore of Long Island. The restaurant features 38-day dry-aged steaks and a raw bar offering a selection of seafood and sushi.

The Cotton Exchange Tavern & Restaurant

Savannah, Georgia

The Cotton Exchange Tavern & Restaurant, established in 1971 in foodie favorite Savannah, is a former cotton warehouse. Bring a hearty appetite because The Cotton Exchange offers large portions of fresh-caught seafood served grilled, broiled, or fried as well as a selection of steaks.

Bud & Alley’s

Seaside, Florida

If you’re prowling along Highway 30A in Seaside, Florida, you’ll come across Bud & Alley’s. Founded by a couple of 24-year-old surfer dudes in 1986, it was the first restaurant and watering hole to open in Seaside.

Jane’s Corndogs

Newport Beach, California

Jane’s Corndogs is where wieners rule — juicy wieners encased in crispy cornbread batter — but the restaurant also serves chili cheese fries, cheesecake-on-a-stick, and fruit-topped funnel cakes.

Gus & Gus Place

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

For 60 years, Rehoboth Beach landmark Gus & Gus Place has served up classic eats along the boardwalk — hot dogs, burgers, fries, crispy fried chicken, and more. You can eat inside or grab your chow through the walk-up window and go.

Palace on South Beach

Miami, Florida

Palace on South Beach is Miami’s quintessential LGBTQ+ bar and restaurant. For more than 30 years, the restaurant has been serving sassy cocktails, gourmet chow, and epic drag shows and brunches.

Thrasher’s French Fries

Ocean City, Maryland

In 1929, Georgian J.T. Thrasher proposed a food stand concession that would specialize in only one product: French fries. He wanted to make the best-tasting fries using the highest quality potatoes from different regions. Through five generations, Thrasher’s has changed hands twice.

Chix on the Beach

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Chix on the Beach has been a staple at Virginia’s oceanfront for over 40 years. Chix is known for surf n’ turf steak, shrimp tacos, and a fried Atlantic Feast, which includes jumbo shrimp, scallops, crab cake, fried fresh fish, and hush puppies.

Amos Mosquito’s

Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

Amos Mosquito’s has been an Atlantic Beach mainstay. They don’t take reservations, and on summer nights, the parking lot is jammed with customers fantasizing about the restaurant’s steamed pork dumplings, meatloaf, scallops, and cobbler.

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